1880 Bronzed Medal J-MT-19, William Barber

Coin Details

Auction Record

$38 PCGS Genuine 09-08-2024 eBay

Description

This bronzed medal Julian MT-19 honors William Barber (1819-1879), who served as the fourth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1869 until his death in 1879. Barber succeeded James B. Longacre in the position and was responsible for an enormous body of medallic and pattern coin work during one of the most prolific periods in the Mint's artistic history. His tenure coincided with the great pattern coin series of the early 1870s, when the Mint produced hundreds of experimental designs exploring potential replacements for the nation's circulating coinage. The obverse features a portrait of Barber, an English-born engraver who emigrated to the United States and joined the Mint staff in the 1860s. His appointment as Chief Engraver followed Longacre's death and placed him at the head of the Mint's artistic operations during a period of intense experimentation and productivity. Barber's pattern coins of 1869-1873, particularly the Standard Silver and Commercial Dollar designs, represent some of the most artistically ambitious work ever produced by the Mint, though few of his designs were ultimately adopted for regular coinage. His medallic work was equally accomplished, encompassing presidential medals, commemorative issues, and the annual Assay Commission medals. The reverse carries the Julian MT-19 catalog designation and inscriptions commemorating Barber's service. The 1880 date indicates this medal was produced posthumously, under the direction of his son Charles E. Barber, who succeeded him as Chief Engraver and would serve in that capacity until 1917. The bronzed finish gives the medal a formal, dignified appearance appropriate to its subject.

Rarity Notes

Bronzed medal, Julian MT-19. Posthumous tribute produced in 1880. William Barber served as Chief Engraver 1869-1879.

Cross References

PCGS #517539; Julian MT-19; William Barber (1819-1879); 4th Chief Engraver; Father of Charles E. Barber